Hyundai Elantra vs Kia Optima
Owner complaints, worst years and recall history side by side, from official NHTSA data. Last verified Aug 8, 2026. Raw complaint counts are not adjusted for sales volume.
Hyundai Elantra
- Total complaints
- 8,649
- Avg per model year
- 254
- Recall campaigns (all years)
- 53
- Most complained year
- 2013 (1,310)
Top problems: Engine, Air Bags, Steering
Kia Optima
- Total complaints
- 7,456
- Avg per model year
- 373
- Recall campaigns (all years)
- 22
- Most complained year
- 2013 (1,375)
Top problems: Engine, Electrical System, Unknown OR Other
Complaints by model year
| Year | Hyundai Elantra | Kia Optima | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 241 | 137 | ||
| 2019 | 246 | 204 | ||
| 2018 | 280 | 230 | ||
| 2017 | 761 | 252 | ||
| 2016 | 290 | 750 | ||
| 2015 | 259 | 1,003 | ||
| 2014 | 381 | 580 | ||
| 2013 | 1,310 | 1,375 | ||
| 2012 | 651 | 919 | ||
| 2011 | 432 | 591 | ||
| 2010 | 378 | 75 | ||
| 2009 | 250 | 116 | ||
| 2008 | 314 | 143 | ||
| 2007 | 266 | 166 | ||
| 2006 | 155 | 155 | ||
| 2005 | 137 | 144 | ||
| 2004 | 182 | 225 | ||
| 2003 | 234 | 141 | ||
| 2002 | 342 | 107 | ||
| 2001 | 315 | 143 |
Method. Complaints are unique NHTSA reports per model year. A model that sold more units will naturally accumulate more complaints — compare the shape across years, not just the raw totals, and read the year pages for what actually fails.